Oceana: European Commission falls short with deep-sea fisheries proposal

Today, the European Commission published its biennial proposal on fishing opportunities for deep-sea species, for 2015 and 2016. While for most stocks the Commission has proposed total allowable catches (TACs) that follow scientific advice, it has failed to propose drastic reductions that were recommended by scientists for three key stocks, and has neglected to consider … Read more

Oceana supports penalties for Member States that exceeded 2013 fishing quotas

Today, the European Commission announced deductions from 2014 fishing quotas to a group of ten Member States that have exceeded their quotas for 2013. Oceana supports these deductions in order to reverse the damage done to overfished stocks, and denounces the lack of sound control measures by EU Member States. Xavier Pastor, Executive Director for … Read more

Scientific catch limits crucial to the future of european fish stocks

Oceana urges decision makers to heed scientific advice when setting 2015 catch limits and management measures. Today, the European Commission announced their initial plans for next year’s fishing quotas – Total Allowable Catches (TACs) – in the EU. The exact catch limits will not be decided until this autumn, but today’s review revealed an alarming … Read more

It’s time to stop fishing for short term fixes

(This piece was first published on Parliament Magazine’s website) Multiannual budgets, tobacco regulations and the financial crisis have been on the mind of many Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) lately; and rightly so, as decisions made on these issues have far-reaching effects on the daily life of Europeans. However, on 23 October, MEPs will … Read more

Oceana rejects Sarkozy’s dangerous comments on quotas and european fisheries

The European Commission, scientists, environmentalists and many responsible heads of state are united in their concern for the fate of European fisheries and are trying to work together for their recovery in order to ensure the future long term sustainability of the sector. President Sarkozy’s comments are irresponsible and dangerous for the future of our seas and the survival … Read more